Cookware leveling solutions

ABSTRACT

Solutions for leveling the surface of cookware are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one detachable adjustable leg makes contact with the stove surface to tilt the cooking surface to make it level. The pressure on the stove surface can be increased or decreased, thereby increasing the tilt until the cooking surface is level. In another embodiment, at least one detachable adjustable leg is weighted at one end and the weighted end extends outward to make the cooking surface level. In yet another embodiment, the cookware comes with at least one adjustable leg permanently attached. In all cases, multiple adjustable legs can be used to increase the stability and accuracy. In another embodiment, adjustable legs protrude from the top or bottom surface of a grate that typically covers a flame on gas stove surface.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation application from U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/450,290, filed Mar. 6, 2017, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/186,051, both of which claimpriority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/768,766,filed Feb. 25, 2013, the entire contents all of which are incorporatedherein by reference and relied upon.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cookware. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to solutions for levelingcookware with a flat cooking surface. By way of non-limiting example,the present disclosure can be applied to level frying pans, skillets,and griddles and on gas or electric stovetops.

BACKGROUND

Many people cook with oil or melted butter. In order to most effectivelycook with oil or melted butter, a level cooking surface is preferred. Ifthe cookware does not set on the stovetop such that the cooking surfaceremains level, then the cooking oil or melted butter will naturally leakto the lower side of the cooking surface. This requires constantshifting of the cookware by the chef in order to make sure the cookingoil or melted butter coats the entire cooking surface. If constantattention is not given, the cooking oil or melted butter will not evenlycoat the cooking surface or the food being prepared.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the problems of the priorart are overcome by including a detachable adjustable leg that canattach to the cookware. The leg adjusts to level the surface of thecookware. In one embodiment, the at least one detachable adjustable legmakes contact with the stovetop to tilt the cooking surface in order tomake it level. The adjustable leg can be used to increase pressure onthe stovetop, thereby increasing the tilt until the cooking surface islevel. Multiple adjustable legs can be used to increase stability andaccuracy. In another preferred embodiment, the at least one detachableadjustable leg is weighted at one end and the weighted end extendsoutward in order to make the cooking surface level. Multiple adjustablelegs can be used to increase the stability and accuracy. In yet anotherembodiment, the cookware comes with at least one adjustable legpermanently attached for leveling.

The adjustable leg, detachable or permanent, can be made from anymaterial able to withstand close proximity to a stovetop flame. Theembodiments described herein can be applied to cookware being used on agas stovetop or an electric stovetop or any cooking surface on which alevel cooking surface is desired. The detachable adjustable legs can bedesigned to be secured to any cookware.

In another embodiment, the leveling of the cookware is accomplished byadjusting the surface of a grate that is typically used with gas stoves.The surface of the grate is adjustable by, for example, simply twistinglegs on the top or bottom surface of the grate. Twisting legs on thebottom of the grate, such that the length that the leg protrudes fromthe bottom surface of the grate is altered, changes the tilt of the topsurface of the grate. Alternatively, legs can be installed on the topsurface of the grate such that the cookware rests on the legs. Adjustingthe length that the legs protrude from the top surface of the gratechanges the tilt of the cooking surface and therefore can be used tolevel the cooking surface. This embodiment can also be used with a grateconfigured to be used with an electric stove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure is more fully appreciated in connection with thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C show prior art cooking pans.

FIGS. 2A-2I show a first embodiment of a detachable adjustable legstabilizer.

FIGS. 3A-3C show a second embodiment of a detachable adjustable legstabilizer.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment whereby cookware includes permanentadjustable leg stabilizers.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment whereby cookware includes permanentmoveable weights.

FIGS. 6A-6C show a fifth embodiment whereby leveling of the cookingsurface is accomplished by adjusting legs that protrude from a gratethat is often used with a gas stovetop.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a leveling thecooking surface of cookware. FIGS. 1A-1C show prior art cooking pans.FIG. 1A shows a prior art skillet or frying pan 100. As sold, the priorart skillet 100 typically includes a level cooking surface 101. Theskillet 100 also includes a side wall 102 and a handle 103. FIGS. 1B and1C show a prior art griddle 120. As sold, the prior art griddle 120typically includes a level cooking surface. The griddle 120 can includea flat level cooking surface 121 as shown in FIG. 1B or a ribbed levelcooking surface 122 as shown in FIG. 1C. As used herein, the term “flatcooking surface” comprises flat level cooking surfaces, ribbed levelcooking surfaces, as well as cooking surfaces that are partially ortotally warped such that they are not entirely level. A person ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that other prior art cookwareincludes a flat cooking surface and the disclosed embodiments thatfollow can be applied to that other prior art cookware.

FIGS. 2A-2I show a first embodiment of a detachable adjustable legstabilizer. FIG. 2A shows a detachable adjustable leg stabilizer 200.The detachable adjustable leg stabilizer 200 includes a clamp 201 forattaching to the rim of the cookware at a first end. The clamp 201 canbe magnetized. The second end 203 of the detachable adjustable legstabilizer 200 is capable of making contact with the stove surface. Thesecond end 203 can be a flat piece for greater stability or can be apointed end. The second end 203 can magnetized. The second end 203 canalso be made of rubber or another material, including materials thatincrease friction between the second end 203 and the stove surface. Thesecond end 203 of the adjustable leg 202 can be part of the adjustableleg 202 or can be a separate piece that is attached to the adjustableleg 202. The adjustable leg 202 is a rigid material. The adjustable leg202 allows the distance between the first end 201 and the second end 203to increase or decrease. The adjustable leg 202 does not have to changelength. The adjustable leg 202 is used to allow the first end 201 tochange positions relative to the second end 203 and that is what ismeant by adjusting the adjustable leg 202. One method of adjusting theadjustable leg 202, shown in FIG. 2A, is a handle 204 that can twist tomove the adjustable leg 202 in a screw-like fashion to apply angularpressure on the stove surface. The adjustable leg 202 of FIG. 2A isthreaded and passes through a similarly threaded portion connected tothe clamp 201. By twisting the adjustable leg 202, the adjustable leg202 passes through the threaded portion connected to the clamp such thatthe second end 203 of the adjustable leg 202 moves closer or furtherfrom the threaded portion.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the detachable adjustable leg stabilizer ofFIG. 2A with an extender arm 205. The extender arm 205 is positionedsubstantially parallel to the stove surface such that the adjustable leg202 pushes on the stove top from a more vertical alignment, causingdownward pressure. The extender arm 205 can be threaded so that theadjustable leg 202 passes through it and allows the distance between theextender arm 205 and the second end 203 to be increased or decreased.

FIG. 2C shows another design for the clamp 201. The design shown in FIG.2C works similar to a clothes-pin. Squeezing the top end of the clamp201 shown in FIG. 2C will open the legs on the lower end. Releasing thetop end of the clamp 201 shown in FIG. 2C will cause the lower end ofthe clamp 201 to tighten on the rim of the cookware. The adjustable leg202 can be threaded through hole 210 shown in FIG. 2C, which is itselfsimilarly threaded.

FIG. 2D shows another design for the adjustable leg 202. The adjustableleg 202 of FIG. 2D includes buttons 220 that can be depressed, butwithout pressure will pop back up to their original position. By pushingthe buttons in and sliding the adjustable leg 202 the adjustable leg 202will move in position. On the clamp 201 (not shown here) the hole forthe adjustable leg 202 will fit snug on the adjustable leg 202 such thatthe adjustable leg 202 can move through the hole when a button isdepressed, but the adjustable leg 202 cannot move if a button is notdepressed. Once the desired position is reached, the button can bereleased and the adjustable leg 202 will be locked in place. One skilledin the art will appreciate that there are other variations regarding howto lock the clamp 201 in position along the adjustable leg 202 that arewell-known in the art.

FIGS. 2E-2I show different designs for the second end 203 of theadjustable leg 202. FIG. 2E shows a simple rigid design for the secondend 203 of the adjustable leg 202. The rigid design can be a flatsurface or can be a rounded surface. FIG. 2E shows a flat surface. Aflat surface should be designed to be flush to the stove surface when inuse. A rounded surface will also work as long as it does not slip on thestove surface. The adjustable leg 202 may fit with the second end 203 onan angle or vertically, depending on whether the extender arm 205 isbeing used. FIG. 2F shows a second end 203 of the adjustable leg 202that is flexible. The flexible second end 203 allows the adjustable leg202 to always stay flush to the stove surface while allowing theadjustable leg 202 to change angles relative to the stove surface. FIG.2F shows a simple hinge design, although other designs that accomplishthe same flexibility are well-known in the art. FIG. 2G demonstratesthat the second end 203 of the adjustable leg 202 can be multi-prong. Atwo-prong second end 203 is shown, but a person of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that any number of prongs is possible. FIG. 2Hdemonstrates that the second end 203 of the adjustable leg 202 can bemagnetized for better stability with the stove surface by simplyfastening a magnet 230 to the bottom surface of the second end 203. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any of thedesigns for the second end 203 can be magnetized. FIG. 2I demonstratesthat the second end 203 of the adjustable leg 202 can include a ribbedunderside for better grip to the stove surface. The ribbed underside canbe made of metal, rubber, or any material that increase the grip betweenthe second end 203 and the stove surface.

FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment 300 of the present disclosure. Theadjustable leg 202 in the second embodiment extends outwards from thecookware, but does not contact the stove surface. Rather, the second end303 of the adjustable leg 202 extending outward from the cookware causesthe cooking surface to shift in the direction of the second end 303 ofthe adjustable leg 202. Extending the second end 303 outward causes agreater force to be exerted on the cookware in the direction of thesecond end 303. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the adjustable leg 202 can be designed in any of the ways describedin connection with the first embodiment 200. Another variation on thisembodiment is using a non-adjustable leg. FIG. 3B shows a first designfor the second end 303 of the adjustable leg 202. The second end 303shown in FIG. 3B is a solid weighted end. The solid weighted end canmade of the same material of the adjustable leg 202 or can be adifferent material. FIG. 3C shows a top, side and cross-section view ofa second design for the second end 303 of the adjustable leg 202. Thesecond end 303 shown in FIG. 3C is basket-like such that the weight ofthe second end 303 can be adjusted by adding weights to the basket. Thebasket must face upwards so that weights can be added to the basket. Tomake sure that the basket will face up if a screw-like adjustable leg202 is used, the basket can be threaded, as shown in the cross-sectionview, so that it can also be twisted to always face upwards. The weightsadded to the basket can be ball bearings or water or any suitablematerial. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatanything that fits into to the basket can serve to weight the second end303.

In a third embodiment 400 of the present disclosure, at least oneadjustable leg stabilizer is permanently incorporated into the cookware.FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment 400 of the present disclosure that iscomparable to the first embodiment, except that instead of a detachableclamp 201, the one or more adjustable leg stabilizers 202 is permanentlyattached to the cookware at a first end 201. The adjustable leg 202 canbe threaded through a threaded hole in the side wall 102 of thecookware. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, anydescribed design for the adjustable leg 202 or the second end 203 ispossible. And the third embodiment 400 can easily be adapted by usingthe extender arm 205 of FIG. 2B. As will further be appreciated, one ormore permanent adjustable legs can be used with one or more detachableadjustable leg stabilizers to increase the accuracy and stability. As isshown in FIG. 4, the adjustable legs 202 are arranged in a trianglefashion. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that anynumber of adjustable legs 202 can be used in any number ofconfigurations. Further, FIG. 4 shows the threaded holes in the sidewall 102 of the cookware. But the sidewall 102 can be extended upwardswhere the adjustable legs 202 are positioned as to keep the originalsidewall intact.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment 500 of the present disclosure. As withthe third embodiment 400, the fourth embodiment 500 includes at leastone adjustable leg stabilizer permanently incorporated into the cookwareat a first end 201. FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment 500 of the presentdisclosure that is further comparable to the second embodiment in thatthe adjustable leg extends outward from the cookware. FIG. 5 includesone or more screw-like adjustable legs 202 for extending the adjustablelegs 202 outward from the cookware. The adjustable leg 202 can bethreaded through a threaded hole in the side wall 102 of the cookware.The second end 303 is comparable to the second end 303 described inconnection with the second embodiment. As will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, any described design for the adjustable legs 202 orthe second end 303 is possible. Another variation on this embodiment isto use a non-adjustable leg and the basket-like second end 303 as shownin FIG. 3C. As will further be appreciated, one or more single permanentadjustable legs can be used with one or more detachable adjustable legstabilizers to increase the accuracy and stability. As is shown in FIG.5, the adjustable legs 202 are arranged in a triangle fashion. Thoseskilled in the art, however, will appreciate that any number ofadjustable legs 202 can be used in any number of configurations.Further, FIG. 5 shows the threaded holes in the side wall 102 of thecookware. But the sidewall 102 can be extended upwards where theadjustable legs 202 are positioned as to keep the original sidewall 102intact.

In a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the leveling of theflat cooking surface is accomplished by adjusting protruding legs 602 ona grate 600 that typically sits over a gas stove. FIG. 6A shows anexemplary grate 600 with adjustable legs 602 on the top surface. Thedesign of the grate 600 is only by way of non-limiting example, as manydifferent designs within the scope of the present disclosure willaccomplish the same result. This embodiment can also be used with agrate configured to be used with an electric stove. The cookware sets onthe adjustable legs 602. The adjustable legs 602 protrude from the topsurface and are adjustable, for example, by twisting them. The grate 600can have threaded holes 604, as shown in FIG. 6A. Alternatively, one ormore blocks, each having a threaded hole that mates with the adjustablelegs 602, can be fastened to the top of a grate with no threaded holes.The adjustable legs 602 can be threaded such that twisting them causesthe adjustable legs 602 to protrude more or less from the top surface ofthe grate 600. The top end 603 of the adjustable legs 602 that makescontact with the cookware can be rounded, flat, or any design thatallows the cookware to stably set on the adjustable legs 602. Only twoadjustable legs 602 are shown in FIG. 6A but a person of ordinary skillwill recognize that any number of adjustable legs 602 can be used.

In FIG. 6B the adjustable legs 602 protrude from the bottom surface ofthe grate 600. In FIG. 6B, the adjustable legs 602 are in direct contactwith the stove surface. The adjustable legs 602 protrude from the bottomsurface and are adjustable, for example, by twisting them. Theadjustable legs 602 can be threaded such that twisting them causes theadjustable legs 602 to protrude more or less from the bottom surface ofthe grate 600. As such, adjusting the length that the adjustable legs602 protrude from the bottom surface of the grate 600 causes the tilt ofthe top surface of the grate 600 to change. The grate 600 can havethreaded holes on the bottom surface. Alternatively, one or more blocks,each having a threaded hole that mates with the adjustable legs 602, canbe fastened to the bottom of a grate with no threaded holes. The secondend 610 of the adjustable legs 602 that makes contact with the stovesurface can be rounded, flat, or any design that allows the grate tostably set on the stove surface. The design of the second end 610 of theadjustable legs 602 can be designed in any of the ways described inFIGS. 2E-2I.

In FIG. 6C the adjustable legs 602 are represented as circles on thebottom of grate 600. FIG. 6C shows the same configuration as FIG. 6B butfrom a different angle. The perspective is shown as looking straightdown on the bottom side of grate 600.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an adjustable legstabilizer for cookware comprising a first end secured to cookwarehaving a flat cooking surface, and a rigid leg comprising a second endconfigured to contact a stove surface, wherein the rigid leg isconnected with the first end, the first and second ends defining anadjustable distance. In some embodiments, the first end can detach fromthe cookware. In some embodiments, at least part of the rigid leg isthreaded such that the distance between the first end and the second endis configured to be adjustable by twisting the rigid leg.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an adjustable legstabilizer for cookware comprising a first end secured to cookwarehaving a flat cooking surface, a first rigid leg extending substantiallyparallel to said flat cooking surface, wherein the first rigid leg isconfigured to connect with the first end, and a second rigid legconfigured to connect with the first rigid leg at a first point and at asubstantially perpendicular angle to the first rigid leg whilesimultaneously in contact with a stove surface at a second point,wherein the first and second points define an adjustable distance. Insome embodiments, the first end can detach from the cookware. In someembodiments, at least a portion of said second rigid leg is threadedsuch that the distance between said first point and said second point isconfigured to be adjusted by twisting said second rigid leg.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cooking pancomprising a flat cooking surface defining a plane, wherein a differencebetween the plane and a horizontal plane defines a tilt, and at leastone rigid leg extending outwardly from the cooking pan, wherein therigid leg is configured to exert adjustable pressure on a stove surfacesuch that the tilt is capable of being reduced. In some embodiments, theflat cooking surface is ribbed or at least partially warped.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofleveling a flat cooking surface comprising reducing a difference betweena flat cooking surface defining a plane and a horizontal plane byadjusting pressure that a rigid leg exerts on a stove surface.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stovetop gratecomprising a grate configured to be positioned over a flame on a stovesurface, and at least one leg protruding from at least one surface ofthe grate, wherein a distance that at least one leg protrudes from theat least one surface is adjustable. In some embodiments, at least oneleg protrudes from a bottom surface of said grate and contacts the stovesurface. In some embodiments, at least one leg further comprises abottom end configured to contact the stove surface, said bottom endhaving a rounded or flat shape. In some embodiments, at least one legprotrudes from a top surface of said grate such that cookware makescontact with the at least one leg when rested on said grate. In someembodiments, at least one leg further comprises a top end configured tocontact a bottom surface of the cookware, said top end having a roundedor flat shape. In some embodiments, at least three legs protrude fromthe at least one surface of said grate and at least two of said at leastthree legs are adjustable.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method ofleveling a flat cooking surface, the method comprising positioning agrate over a flame on a stove surface, wherein the grate comprises atleast one leg protruding from the grate, wherein a distance that atleast one leg protrudes is adjustable, placing a flat cooking surface onsaid grate or on said at least one leg, and adjusting a length of the atleast one leg protruding from the grate until a plane defined by theflat cooking surface is substantially level. In some embodiments, atleast one adjustable leg protrudes from a bottom surface of the grateand is in contact with the stove surface, wherein the flat cookingsurface is placed on a top surface of the grate. In some embodiments, atleast one adjustable leg protrudes from a top surface of the grate andwherein the flat cooking surface is placed on a top end of the at leastone adjustable leg. In some embodiments, at least three legs protrudefrom the at least one surface of said grate and adjusting a length of atleast two of said at least three legs until a plane defined by the flatcooking surface is substantially level.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stovetop gratecomprising a grate configured to be used with an electric stove, and atleast one leg protruding from at least one surface of said grate,wherein a distance that at least one leg protrudes from said at leastone surface is adjustable.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specificdetails are not required in order to practice the present disclosure.Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentdisclosure are presented for purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to theprecise forms disclosed; many modifications and variations are possiblein view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andits practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents definethe scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A method of leveling cookware, comprising: placing acookware on top of a grate; and adjusting at least one leg protrudingfrom only a bottom surface of said grate, causing the tilt of a topsurface of the grate to change.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein atleast part of said at least one leg is threaded such that the distancethat the at least one leg protrudes from said bottom surface isconfigured to be adjustable by twisting said leg.
 3. The method of claim1 wherein said cookware is a frying pan.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein said at least one leg includes a magnetized end.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein said at least one leg includes a rubber end.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said at least one leg includes a ribbed end.7. The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one leg includes amulti-prong end.
 8. A method of leveling cookware, comprising: placing acookware on top of a grate; and adjusting at least one leg protrudingfrom a top surface of said grate, wherein the at least one leg makescontact with said cookware.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein at leastpart of said at least one leg is threaded such that the distance thatthe at least one leg protrudes from said bottom surface is configured tobe adjustable by twisting said leg.
 10. The method of claim 8 whereinsaid cookware is a frying pan.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein said atleast one leg includes a magnetized end.
 12. The method of claim 8wherein said at least one leg includes a rubber end.
 13. The method ofclaim 8 wherein said at least one leg includes a ribbed end.
 14. Themethod of claim 8 wherein said at least one leg includes a multi-prongend.
 15. A method of adjusting the tilt of a grate, comprising:fastening a block having a threaded hole to a bottom surface of a grate;and twisting a leg that is at least partially threaded in said threadedhole to adjust the tilt of the grate.
 16. The method of claim 15 whereinsaid at least one leg includes a magnetized end.
 17. The method of claim15 wherein said at least one leg includes a rubber end.
 18. The methodof claim 15 wherein said at least one leg includes a ribbed end.
 19. Themethod of claim 15 wherein said at least one leg includes a multi-prongend.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein said fastening permanentlyaffixes said block to said bottom surface of said grate.